people are trying to seek as out and continue to tune in. i think what we do is terrific and the quality of the journalism is fantastic. i think we have stupendous storytellers who have a real commitment from central headquarters to go out and find the stories and reports them. i think we do a great job. host: alan fisher joining us this morning from the d.c. bureau. thank you so much. later on this week, as we continue this year is looking for news operations of the u.s., we will talk to deutsche abela, the german news agency. on wednesday, "voice of america." "nhk" on thursday. friday we will round things out with "bbc america." thank you for joining us. we will be back tomorrow at 7:00 eastern time. sp[captioning performed by

national captioning institute] [captions copyright national cable satellite corp. 2012] >> here is a look at what is coming up live today on c-span. at 10:30 eastern, we will go to london for remarks from british prime minister david cameron following last week's european leaders summit on the debt crisis. european union heads agreed on banking and financial measures to assist economies like spain and italy. we will have live coverage at 10:30 eastern. at 12:30, the heads of the national education association will give the keynote address at the annual meeting looking at the role of the teachers' union

and education reform. live at 12:30 eastern. live at 1:30, the cato institute in washington post and discussion on the supreme court ruling upholding the health-care law. they will look at the future of health-care. the discussion will start at 1:30 p.m. eastern right here on c-span. speaking to reporters in brussels, nato secretary-general anders rasmussen talked about the situation in syria and the transition in afghanistan earlier today. he condemned the continuing violence in syria and the recent shooting death of a turkish military jet, and repeated that nato had no intentions of getting militarily involved in syria. this is about 30 minutes. >> good afternoon.

thank you for coming in. the secretary-general will start with his opening statement and then questions. >> good afternoon. syria is still a matter of concern. we are following the situation closely. as you know, it made no's core business is security -- nato's corp. business is security. it is where north america and europe come together to discuss the security issues that concern as. and nato is where europe and north america work together every day to find solutions. in nato, any ally can bring any issue to the table at any time. that is what makes us strong. that is what makes us an alliance. that is why it is appropriate at allies came together last week

to discuss syriana's outrageous shooting down of a turkish aircraft. it is why we continue to follow developments very closely and with great concern. and why we remain actively engaged in political confrontations. this is a crisis which directly affects one of our allies, and one of the gravest security challenges of the world faces today. we condemn syria's shooting down of the turkish aircraft in the strongest possible terms, and we condemn the escalating spiral of killing, destruction, and human rights abuses in syria. the right response to this crisis remains a political response, and a concerted response by the international

community against a regime that has lost all of humanity and all legitimacy. that is why i welcome the meeting of the action group on a syria in geneva this weekend. the international community has come together. it has clearly endorsed the plan for a democratic transition to end the violence and answered the legitimate aspirations of the people of syria. now it is of vital to enforce that political action. every member of the international community should use its influence and spare no effort to bring an end to the bloodshed and move syria forward. this conflict has already gone for it too long. it has cost too many lives and put the stability of the whole region at risk.

the international community has a duty to put an end to it and to do it now. let me turn to afghanistan. we are working toward putting the security of afghanistan in the hands of the afghans. as we speak, half the afghan population lives in areas where their own forces are in the lead for providing security. and over the coming weeks and months, that protection will extend to 3/4 of the population. that means that later this summer, those afghans living in areas protected by their own forces will become the clear majority. this is a big step forward, a step towards our shared goal of

seeing afghan troops and police fully responsible for their security by the end of 2014. it has been made possible thanks to the courage, skills, and sacrifice of isaf and our partners. there are still challenges to face and hard fighting ahead, but afghanistan is making headway. of course, security is just one of the challenges facing afghanistan, and nato is just one part of the solution. in the bigger picture of the future of afghanistan's security, development, and a good governance all have to come together. and together, the international community and the afghan people are putting the pieces in place. over the last few months, we

have built a strong framework of partnership and mutual responsibility, on which afghanistan can rely as it stands on its own two feet. we addressed security concerns by sending a clear message that nato will have a new mission to train, advise, and assist afghan security forces after 2014. in june, the kabul conference sent a clear message of regional responsibility from the countries of central asia and their neighbors to support afghanistan and to do so well into the next decade.

next week, the international community will come together in tokyo to show its commitment to afghanistan's long-term economic development. tokyo is a key opportunity to deliver aid commitments to ensure that afghanistan continues to develop and remained secure long after 2014. because even when afghanistan is fully in charge of its own security, it will still be one of the poorest countries in the world. the best way to maintain its security will be to help it face its challenge. that is why the tokyo conference is so important.

the international community by supporting afghanistan in areas such as transport, communications, health care, and education. the afghan people need to see that the international community will continue to build on those gains. at the same time, the international community needs to know that the afghan authorities will live up to their commitments. president karzai has already pledged to improve governance and fight corruption to ensure the protection of human rights, including the rights of women. delivering of us -- delivering on those pledges is vital. we have at once-in-a-generation chance to break the cycle of violence and extremism in

afghanistan, to build long-term security for afghans, the wider region, and ourselves. it is a chance we must all seize. with that, i am ready to take your questions. >> pbc. -- bbc. >> [inaudible] >> you will need to take the microphone from next to your seat. if you will open -- ok, just pull that out. >> secretary general, you talked about the need for code governance and all men on the part of the afghan authorities. i wonder, with people looking on the death of british soldiers shot by an afghan policeman, whether we can trust them, if

these people are infiltrating the police force and able to turn their guns on nato and isaf soldiers. >> first of all, let me take this opportunity to convey my heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of those who have lost their lives in this very tragic incident. and let me add to that that isaf is right now investigating this incident to determine the circumstances. this stage, we can confirm that it actually was an afghan policeman who turned his gun against the isaf soldiers. we can confirm that it was a man wearing an afghan police

uniform. let me stress that it is very clear that the enemies of afghanistan do all they can to undermine confidence and trust of the afghan security forces, because the they know that we are building up the capacity of the afghan security forces to take full responsibility by the end of 2014. so the taliban has clearly laid out a strategy to undermine the confidence in the afghan security forces.

but let me also stress that they can't derail our strategy. our strategy is to gradually hand over for responsibility -- full responsibility for security to the afghans, and that process will continue and be completed by the end of 2014. this is the reason why it is and a central part of our mission in afghanistan to train and educate afghan security forces to build up their capabilities, to take full responsibility, and these training efforts will continue. >> the french carry out our review of security last year in october, when some of their soldiers were shot, taking this incident apart. what was learned from that incident? is there anything you can do to stop someone doing something like that?

>> i can assure you that based on lessons learned from these tragic incidents, isaf, in cooperation with the afghan security forces, has taken a number of measures to prevent such tragic incidents, the so- called green and blue attacks. for obvious reasons, i cannot go into details about these methods, but obviously, they include strengthened its also,ing process es, but education, but it afghan security forces and isaf troops, with a view to prevent such incidents in the future. >> mr. secretary general, on and syria, you spoke today again

about providing a political solution. but do you think it is in time for the international community to put a time limit to find a political solution?] thank you. >> my first point is that it is a matter of urgency, so the sooner a political solution can be found, the better. i urge all international actors influence on the regime in damascus to do all they can to facilitate a peaceful and political solution. i don't think it would be helpful in that process to set a fixed date as the deadline.

but it is a matter of urgency to put an end to the violence and bloodshed in syria, and ids the responsibility of the whole international community to facilitate that process. >> what about the general's stories that the jet was shot down in syrian territory? this nato -- does nato have in the measure as to where the jet was shot down? there are reports from the international press climbing there could be possible russian involvement in shooting down the turkish jet. does nato have any information on this? thank you. >> as you know, we had a meeting at the nato council last week on the request of turkey, and the turkish authorities

provided us with a briefing and complete information about this incident. but as a matter of principle, we never comment on such briefings and meetings in the nato council. but the outcome was very clear that the allies expressed unanimously strong support for and solidarity with turkey, and that is telling, i think. furthermore, in any case, it is unacceptable and in contradiction with all international norms to shoot down an aircraft without any warning. >> [inaudible] >> yeah, but as i told you, we do not comment on such things in the nato council.

>> [speaking foreign language] >> i want to come back to syria. the international community recognizes that there are two players in the field -- the syrian forces and armed groups. in order to come to a political set -- solution, should we put pressure on the regime as well as on the nation's that on those groups in the field? -- nations that arm those groups in the field? the groups that are funded by other nations -- so in order to come to a political solution, shouldn't there be pressure on the nations that founded the group's there in syria? as i said, we must find a

political solution, and obviously -- i guess not part of the political process to -- it is not part of the political process to arm different groups in syria. >> iha news agency. mr. secretary-general, you just said that without any warning, the turkish jet was shot down, so it is unacceptable. does that mean that even though other data are shown, it becomes clear that the turkish jet was on a syrian airspace, turkey

will stand in the same position as it was mentioned last tuesday? one more question -- i asked last tuesday after the summit that if there were any challenges to the arguments of turkey, and it was said that there were no questions asked, everybody appreciated at the briefing to it but then we saw a " telegraph" story that turkey was surprised by it, and then the "wall street journal" news which makes reference to american authorities about the jet being on at syrian airspace. how should we read this? nothing being said at the meetings, but afterwards, this coming from american authorities that the press is referencing? thank you very much. >> my answer that question is a

very brief. i think the main lesson you can learn from that is that you should not rely on anonymous sources. >> hello, nhk japan's broadcasting. the question is on it syria. to emphasize the importance of a political solution at this juncture. what would be the criteria for nato to intervene militarily in the situation in syria? are you waiting for the u.n. resolutions? the second question is about afghanistan. you emphasize the importance of the meeting in tokyo in the coming weeks, but i understand you are not billing --. n -- not going. what would be the reason for that? >> last question?

>> i understand you're not going to the meeting in tokyo. why is that? >> first, on a syria, as i expressed on several occasions, nato has no and intention to intervene in syria. and as i stressed today, i think the right way forward is to find a political solution. to that end, we need the international community to speak with one voice. and i think it would be helpful if the yeaun security council in particular could speak with one voice with the aim to put pressure on the syrian regime to stop the crackdown on the syrian population in syria and the up to what was a clear outcome -- live up to was a clear outcome of the meeting in tunisia, to

initiate a democratic transition in syria. again, with no intention to intervene militarily, because we believe that the political solution is adequate solution. on tokyo, yes, it is and important conference. for calendar reasons, i cannot attend the conference myself, but nato will be represented. my senior civilian representative in kabul will represent nato at the tokyo conference. >> secretary-general, you told us that nato is actively engaged in political consultations on syria. could you tell us more details? to whom do you speak, and when? second question, if i may, could you tell us more about the

situation on the turkish-syrian border? what are your turkish allies telling you about this, about the refugees and so on? >> first, again, for reasons i think you understand and appreciate, we don't comment on details in such confrontations, including when and how they take place. but we have a continuous dialogue with turkey, and among all allies. we have not yet received updated information about the situation along the turkish-syrian border. compared to what we heard last

week, i cannot provide you with new information as of today. but i expect allies to receive updated information in this week. >> not asking for any details, but just two simple yes-no questions. on syria, has made a received any formal request or indication so far from turkey for the deployment or use of a-1's in support of turkish air forces? secondly, you say the right response at this point to the situation in serious political. -- in syria at this political it is made up in contact with the allies of the syrian opposition groups? >> no, nato is not received

requests for deployment of the military assets, and now, nato -- and no, nato as an alliance has no dialogue with opposition groups in syria. >> reuters. >> secretary general, how concerned are you by reports of the turkish military buildup at the border? is there any danger that could lead to a confrontation between syria and turkey? >> no, on the contrary, i commend turkey for having shown restraint despite the very tragic aircraft incident. i find it quite normal that turkey takes necessary steps to protect its population and its

territory. >> two last questions. pakistani media, please. >> there is deadlocked for such a long time for the supply route from pakistan into afghanistan. i like to know, beyond this, many people think this is the only connection between pakistan and nato. but beyond that, nato in the past offered lots of training, and pakistan requested training for soldiers and pakistani officers spread all these programs continuing as usual, business as usual, despite all the deadlock on the supply route? >> firstly, i still hope that we

will see are reopening of the transit routes in the not-so- distant future. secondly, no, it is is not business as usual. we have seen a decline in cooperation activities during recent months, which we strongly regret, because i think it is of mutual interest to have cooperation between pakistan and in nato. in that respect, i hope to see a resumption of certain corporate and activities in the not-so- distant future. >> can you confirm that an agreement was signed by the prime minister medvedev about a

new way of providing weapons and supplies to and from afghanistan. could he be precise about -- could you be precise about what is the nature of this agreement? is this for weapons? what kind of supplies? is it concerning soldiers? which means -- landed-based transport, air transport? >> first of all, i think it is important to correct a misunderstanding. it is definitely not about weapons. we are speaking about transit and transport of what is called on people goods -- called non- lethal goods. secondly, as you know, we have been talking with the russians for quite some time to further expand our transit arrangements with russia.

what i can say about that is we expect these negotiations to be -- concludedry simm very soon. let me conclude by saying we appreciate the transit of arrangement we have with russia. russia and isaf nations share common interest in seeing success in afghanistan, because a failure in afghanistan would have a negative impact on russia. the russians know that from experience. it is in their interest and our interest to expand the transit arrangements, and i hope the talks on this expansion of the transit arrangement can be concluded very soon. >> thank you very much.

[captioning performed by national captioning institute] [captions copyright national cable satellite corp. 2012] >> live out to the british house of commons for a statement from prime minister david cameron on the results of last week's european union leaders summit on that region's debt crisis. prior to the prime minister's statement, the house of commons is working on other business. >> statement for prime minister. >> thank you, mr. speaker. mr. speaker, i am a sure that like me, all lots will be deeply saddened by the death of three british servicemen -- the whole house will be deeply saddened by the death of the three british servicemen and afghanistan yesterday. they were helping to keep us safe here in the u.k. the suspected perpetrator is in custody, and we will do everything with the national

security forces to ensure that justice is done. this tragic incident demonstrates the real risk that our soldiers face every day, and we will learn all the lessons that rise from it. i know that everyone in this house will want to send support to our brave troops and their families at this difficult time. mr. speaker, turning to the european council, britain had three objectives at last week's meeting. first, the eurozone members taking the event action needed to deal with the crisis. second, a top rates of growth package focused on bridge and's priorities straight third, sending a clear message to the rest of europe about what to expect from the budget negotiations to come. first, the eurozone. britain has been clear that in the short term, we want urgent action by eurozone countries and authorities to defend their currency and deal with the instability. the longer term, we realize that the remorseless logic of a single currency means that the

eurozone will need closer economic and fiscal integration. britain is not in the row, and we will not join the euro, so mr. speaker, we should not pay for short-term measures nor take part in longer term integration. this summit, there was progress on short-term measures to support intervention in bond markets to put eurozone money directly to struggling banks, and to ensure that officials lending to spanish banks would not be getting partial treatment on private sector loans. -- would not be getting preferential treatment over private sector loans. the british taxpayer is not involved. on longer-term issues, eurozone members agreed important steps towards closer integration following a discussion of the report by the president at the european council and others. it is of model for britain and the strength and prosperity, we would argue, of the whole european union, that they do

this in the right way. as this goes ahead, the unity and integrity of the single market will be respected. on the specific growth at the bank in union, britain will not be part of any common deposit guarantees or under the jurisdiction of any single european financial supervisor. british taxpayers will not be guaranteeing eurozone banks, and i'm equally clear that while we need proper supervision of our banks, british banks should be supervised by the bank of england, not by the ecb. the initial draft of the growth compaq included a whole section on in the monetary union, which implies that a banking union might apply to all 27 countries, and a number of countries worked to ensure that that will section of the growth compact was removed. second, on growth, the growth program includes a commitment to deal with weak lending, including through an increase in funds for the european investment bank. but alongside this are clear commitments to complete the single market in areas like

services, energy, and a digital, where britain will be one of the prime beneficiaries. we also agreed to go ahead with the european patient corporate businesses have been complaining for decades that they need 27 patents to protect their property. this will not be solved. britain had two -- this will now be solved. britain had two objectives. a significant part of the court covering pharmaceutical and life science industries will be based in london. i am pleased to say that we secured both of those outcomes. this will be millions of pounds forpoundhundreds of jobs britain. we want a budget that is focused on growth, not a focus on growth in the budget. he remembers as a whole or $3.50 euros more in debt. i made clear that without the

british rebate, we would have the largest net contribution and a whole of the european union as a share of our national income. without the rebate, it would be double that of france and 100 times bigger than in germany's net contribution. the british rebate is not up for negotiation. it is is fully justified. on foreign policy, the council welcomed the eu oil embargo against iraq, which came into force yesterday, and on syria, we called for united action against the security council including the adoption of comprehensive sanctions. europe is changing rapidly and fundamentally, and it presents real challenges for all countries. those inside the eurozone have to face final choices about whether to limit their national democracy and provide financial support to the weaker members. for those outside the eurozone, in britain, we face big challenges, too.

there are those who argue for a referendum now. i don't agree with that, because leaving the eu would be best for britain. but nor do i believe that voting to preserve the exact status quo would be right, either. as i wrote a, i do not believe that the status quo is acceptable. but just as i believed it would be wrong to have an immediate referendum, it would also be wrong to rule out any type of referendum for the future. at the right path for britain is this -- first -- >> members are a little bit over-excitable. they must calm at themselves, and the statement by the prime minister must be heard. the prime minister. >> first, recognize that in the short term for europe, the priority is to deal with the stability and chaos. second, over time, take

opportunities for britain to shape its relationship with europe in ways that address our interests in free trade and cooperation. that should mean, as i argued yesterday, west europe, not more year, less costs, bureaucracy, meddling in issues that affect nation states. third, an all party leaders will have to address this question -- it follows from my argument that far from ruling out a referendum in the future, we should consider how best to get the fresh consent of the british people. finally, mr. speaker, as i said, as the eurozone moves to a banking union, we must ensure that britain takes responsibility for sorting out its own banking sector. on the unfolding banking scandal here in the u.k., we need to take action right across the board, introducing the toughest and most transparent rules on pay and bonuses of any major financial center and the world, the taxes that banks must pay

-- increasing the taxes that banks must pay, and above all, clearing up the right of way failure by the last government -- clearing up the regulatory failure left with less government. the british people want to see two things -- they what is the bankers who acted improperly punished, and they want to know that we've learned about the lessons of this scandal. the office is looking on whether there can be criminal prosecutions brought, and they are using the full force of the law in dealing with that. on the second, i want to establish the parliamentary inquiry involving both houses, and chaired by the chairman of the commons treasury committee. this committee will be able to take evidence under oath and will have full access to papers, officials, and ministers, including ministers as special advisers from the last government. and it will be given by the

government all the resources it needs to do its job properly. mr. speaker, the chancellor will be making a full statement, but this is the right approach, because it will be able to start immediately, it will be accountable to this house, and it will get to the truth quickly, so we can make sure this never happens again. >> ed miliband. >> mr. speaker, i am grateful to the prime minister for his steam, and on the tragic news from afghanistan, all our thoughts are with the families and friends of the soldiers concerned. the news reminds us once again of the risks are troops face day in and day out, and have our duty to do everything we can to protect them. let me start with his announcement on the banking inquiry. it is right he considers the position of last week on the full inquiry, and i welcome that recognition. but i have to say to him, mr. speaker, i am not convinced by

his way forward, because i do not believe it measures up to the scale of what is required. however able undistinguished politicians investigating bankers -- able or distinguish, politicians in this getting bankers will not command the respect of the british people people are understandably angry about the way banks let them down. after all, there has already been a select committee reports into the banking crisis, a number of a select committee reports into the banking crisis, and i appreciate that the lesson of inquiry has been uncomfortable with politicians on all sides. but that is the way it should be. we will continue to argue for a full and open inquiry, independent of bankers and in and of politicians. that is the only way, in my view, we can rebuild trust in the city of london and financial services. turning to the european council

itself, on syria, let me associate myself with what the prime minister is said. there was an agreement reached in geneva on saturday, and a division within the international community on this issue means that too little is being done to bring the escalating violence to an end. in that context, the position of russia, which is absolutely imperative in this regard, regarding the future of forestry without president -- future of the syria without president assad. it took a global recovery and a double the procession in the u.k. -- the central challenge -- i am afraid to sit on that central issue, the prime minister is not part of the solution because he is part of the problem. on growth, the prime minister use an instructor phrase in his post-summit press conference. he said, "just as we had to tackle the euro crisis, so we

have to tackle the growing crisis." having admitted at last there is a growth prices, he added this -- "britain has been driving this debate." [laughter] mr. speaker, i don't think this was meant as a joke, but it suggests someone quite out of touch with reality, because as he was speaking, the numbers were coming in showing that the recession created by him and downing street is worse than thought. mr. speaker, there can be no solution to the great crisis, as we tackle the prices of demand in the european economy and globally. can he tell us whether he advocated any measures at this summit to tackle the crisis of the man in the european economy, as well as the measures he talks about? on the banking regulator, how would he use his popularity and influence in europe to secure a specific legal safeguards between now and the final proposal to protect the very

important british interests in the single market? he then talked, mr. speaker, about the patent office which shows he is succeeding. i have to say that only this prime minister it could argue about the office headquartered in london is a diplomatic triumph for an office that ended up being based in paris. [laughter] on the eurozone, it is welcome that direct help be provided to banks, but does the prime minister really believe that the funds of the eurozone countries are adequate? there are many reasons to believe that is not the case. finally, on europe and the prime minister's position, or should i call it the weekend hokey pokey? [laughter] "i understand why people wanted in a referendum. i don't think it is the right thing to do." hours later -- what a

coincidence -- the former defense secretary called it the referendum. then on sunday, the prime minister hints he might rule on it. then the foreign secretary -- >> order. i sense that labor -- i said that labor back benches should not be yelling when the prime minister is speaking. same with the government back benches. order. that is not proper behavior, and however long we have to continue, it is not going to happen. that is the beginning and end of the matter. ed miliband. >> he went on television to say, "the prime minister is not changing our position." three days, three positions. first it was no, then it was yes, then it was maybe.

first, has there been a change in the government's position, yes or no? second, he talks about a referendum being connected to the renegotiation of power did his position on renegotiation is a longstanding one -- longstanding because he has gotten nowhere. [laughter] ec now saying that he might be in favor of withdrawing from the european union? that would be an imposition, and it would be helpful again if we have a yes or no answer -- that would be a helpful position, and it would be helpful again. yes or no answe he said that there is a danger that by missing the prospect of referendum, we would miss our real opportunity to further our national interest. mr. speaker, why is he doing it now? we all know the answer to that question it is not to solve the crisis of growth or to tackle youth unemployment. it is all about managing

divisions in his own party. a nudge-nudge wink-wink policy is neither good for the country, nor will it keep his party quiet. now he is a man getting out the drums. as john major could have told him, it will never work. a veto than ever was, a referendum he cannot explain, a prime minister talking to himself. -- a party talking to itself. the government letting britain down. >> prime minister. >> let me start with his questions on the inquiry into the banking scandal. frankly, what i think the opposition said is rather demeaning to parliament and law. if we take the best and brightest of both houses and both parties, i don't see why parliament cannot get to the bottom of this. frankly, there are fewer people better to do that and the hon.

member with considerable expertise. the key reason here though is that we need to have the speed and in terms of doing this. the banking bill will be introduced into this house in january. i want an inquiry done by that so that we can take the best of that inquiry and put it into the bill. i think that is the right thing to do. no one would like to see him in the dock of a court room more than me -- [laughter] but the job here is to get on with it, find the answers, and put it into law. let me deal with the question at the european union. on russia, and the situation with regards to syria, there were very hard negotiations by the foreign secretary, and all parties have agreed on a transition by mutual consent. now we need to implement that policy and all of the p5 members

need to do that. he talked about taking responsibility on the economy but when are they going to take responsibility for these twin crises, the crisis of the deficit and a crisis of failed banking regulations? he asked what we have done to protect the single market. if you look at the conclusion of the summit, he would see that it says very specifically that the single market and its integrity must be protected. on the question of are the eurozone funds sufficient, i think he is right to ask that question. we continually say at he is very important that -- it is is very important that the bazookas are big enough. i think he ought to give up the hokie cokie and stick to the rubik's cube. [laughter] i will not take lectures from people who give up the rebate and give nothing in return, who took us into the bailout fund

even when we were not part of the road. these are people who said that your opinion and has not got much power, and he likes to tell us and as the about standing up to vested interests, but the fact is, he will never stand up to two big vested interests, the trade unions and brussels. >> while there is wide agreement in britain as to the need for reforms in our relationship with the european union, would the prime minister agree that the worst possible moment to start negotiating with 26 other countries, when all the member states are rightly preoccupied with the future of the eurozone and the potential of its collapse? would the prime minister also agreed that as the united kingdom is fully protected by the the statutory requirement for a referendum, any further proposal for a transfer of

powers to brussels must be the right policy to establish a link between any negotiations we wish to beg and the treaties -- wish to begin and the duties would be required to have unanimous consent if the eurozone 17 wish to a chief of fiscal and banking union? >> it is worth it saying that everyone has to recognize that the short-term fire fighting is the eu's urgent and immediate priority. it is worth making that point. my point is that will safeguard its three the referendum law about further -- we are safeguarded through the referendum law about for the transactions. >> alistair darling. >> will the prime minister agree with me that the customary celebrations after all last week's euro summit were yet again premature? there is not enough stability to

deal with the spain, let alone other countries, and opposition to eurobonds means there must be a question mark above the eurozone? on banking, if we have our reconciliation committee, which is fine, just remember that some of us fighting for deregulation came from the other side of the house. >> i have great respect for the right hon. gentleman, and i think that what he says about the eurozone agreements on the weekend is absolutely worth listening to and taking into regarded i would point out -- taking into regard. the point out make is that there was a series of steps countries like britain had been calling for about using the facilities to provide bonds and direct recapitalization of banks, hedged around all sorts of ifs and buts. but that is progress. on truth and reconciliation commission, he said that a full independent public inquiry is not where we are headed.

it would be swift enough but also strong enough to get to the answers quickly. >> given that there is practically no left in the -- money left and meet the current bailout fund, did the member states discuss how they would get a hold of the 500 billion or more that they might need, and are they ready to baugher road on the credit ratings of countries like spain and italy -- ready to borrow it on the credit ratings of countries like spain and italy? >> the point i would make is that we should be pushing eurozone members into taking short-term steps to help with financial stability -- buying bonds, directly recapitalizing banks, sorting out issues of seniority are all about. we have to recognize the great difficulties they are going through trying. -- trying to raise the adequate

amounts of finance. these high interest rates of italy and spain on not only hurting italy and spain, they are also hurting us, too. >> the right hon. gentleman failed to answer the question from my friend, the former chancellor of the exchequer, just a moment ago. he asked the prime minister to recognize that the pressure for the regulation -- for de regulation was coming very strongly from he -- >> hypocrisy, as always. >> so if there is to be truth and reconciliation -- if there is to be tricked and reconciliation, will there be some acceptance by the prime minister and the chancellor that a b -- that they got it woefully wrong? >> everyone will have to account

for what they said and for the rest of it did but i have to say, who was in charge for the last 13 years? who was the sitting minister who carry out these actions? if he wants to go into the intricacies of who did what i said what, they voted for the tripartite rearrangement. >> the occasional warm endorsement of europe -- does he agree with me that those who wish to take britain out of your pat the duty to provide details about what the political -- to take britain out of europe have the duty to provide you tell about what the political and economic consequences would be? >> we need to make sure the whole debate about our engagement in europe is properly informed. i do support membership, i think that the single market is vital for us in determining the rules

of that market metaphor i -- that market for us. it will halt all parties, all politicians come off with -- it will help all parties and all politicians to see the facts and figures and that will help inform the debate. >> david miliband. i wonder if there are any circumstances of further to his negotiations in which the prime minister will recommend that the british people need th -- leave the european union. >> i will always stand up for the british national interest as i see it. that is the job of the prime minister. >> my right hon. friend will know that my opposition has never been in doubt. the only doubt my euro skepticism has given rise to is that which john major cast on my

paternity. [laughter] will he agree that what we need is not a commitment to an in-out referendum, but a commitment to insisting that our partners give up partners to govern ourselves if they want our agreements for them to subordinate themselves further to centralization in europe? >> my my hon. friend, whose parentage i've never questioned, nor would i ever do so -- the fact is that eurozone is changing rapidly and the countries need to take bold, integrationist steps. that will provide opportunities for countries outside the eurozone, like britain. we should maximize the opportunities to pursue our national interest. i firmly believe that means remaining at the table for things that matter for us. i think that is what we should do. >> is the prime minister concerned that on europe and the referendum, he sounds more like john major by the day? >> what matters is doing the

right thing, and there are two compositions that don't make as cents. unless you actually want to leave the opinion -- the european union now, and out and out referendum is not the right answer. ruling out any form of getting a fresh assault for your also doesn't make sense, either. that is the cost of the all party leaders have to answer and his party leadership what to do the same thing. >> will my hon. friend agreed to look at what is being watched next week by his right hon. friend, the foreign secretary, the culmination of a year's work as possibly offering some type of solution to the type of reform we are looking for in the eu? we further agree to look at

issues of competition in the banking sector that, in my opinion, is one of the major reasons we've come to this appalling situation? >> as i >> how that process is going to work will help that. she mentioned the banking sector. there are rules for financial services that are required. it is important we have a say over those rules. union --why the >> what discussions were there on the likely effects of the oil embargo upon iran? whether any discussions about the sustainable peace in the middle east?

>> there were brief discussions about iran. i think there's strong agreements that these sanctions are right and necessary. in terms of unlocking problems, if we could get i ran to take a more sensible path on the issue of civil nuclear power. >> mr. william cash. >> on the referendum question -- given its negative answer to me on that same question, we take the advice of the london taxi driver who said the british people are not stupid. they understand the position. give them the referendum. by then you'll get reelected a massive majority.

[cheers] been a satisfying taxi ride from my friend. what i would say -- i don't think an immediate referendum is the answer. i think there are opportunities to build the kind of settlement -- >> could the prime minister tell the house what indications he is sad from european colleagues that there would be likely to agree the repatriation of this country? >> when it came to the bailout power, we were able to renegotiate that power and get out of that part of the treaty. we have had some small success in this agenda already. there is a big change coming in

europe. how fast it will go, i cannot say. there will be opportunities because the eurozone countries will have to do more things to integrate. >> kicky, mr. speaker -- thank you, mr. speaker. >> the decision of the party to remain on a referendum -- [cheers] can me friend cd and fraction of turning into law by any commitment to a referendum in the following parliament and then a strengthened his negotiating hand if he's able to look the government in the eye and now that any agreement will have to be put to the british people, whose government we're talking about.

>> i take seriously my honorable friend's point. we have legislated for a referendum lock. problem is that because of the change in the eurozone is happening so rapidly, i think it is difficult to predict the exact nature of the referendum in a future parliament. as i wrote in the "sunday telegraph," we have to show some patience with the referendum lock. >> mr. dennis makechsay. >> will the future -- mr. dennis mcshay. cover the council

of europe? >> these issues are separate. there is the council of europe and the european union. i have considerable difficulty with that but the two things are separate. >> britain is a trading nation. brigandines unfettered action to europe's single market and a clear voice and say in the voice of that market. >> i think my friend is absolutely right. we export a large share of our gdp. i would not want to swap the status we have of having access to the single market and the say over the rules of the single

market. i think it is important as the eurozone develops and integrate that we make sure those safeguards -- there's a series of steps we could take. some are about safeguarding will we have. these are achievable if we play our cards right. >> could i simply ask the prime minister to look at this terminology. he did not mention the united kingdom once. if there is to be a referendum that the people of northern ireland would have a strong say in this? the uk -- britain excludes in northern ireland. >> the honorable lady is right and i'm right to be chastised.

>> as suspect the majority of people want is a common market, no more, no less. there's an overwhelming balance of trade in their favor. the door is unlocked. why doesn't the prime minister walk through it and renegotiate. >> what we have in the single market is not just a free-trade area but they say over the rules on how the free trade area works. it seems it would be central are those two key points. that is what i think we should continue to pursue. >> i welcome the continued support that has been given to greece.

it is the responsibilities it has to the rest of the eu. 100,000 people illegally entered greece through turkey. >> i know the gentleman has great expertise in this area. it seems important that we support these organizations and the means for these countries to protect the borders. we have to be careful about the language of burden sharing. it is often country like britain or sweden or denmark that bear a large share of the burden. >> will the prime minister remind his coalition partners that in their 2010 manifesto, they said the european union -- democrats remain committed to an

in-house referendum. given that -- can i remind him that the referendum is now inevitable and it would be at his advantage to be ahead of the curve. >> my honorable friend makes a good point. now he is having a go of me for not delivering the liberal democrats side as well. i think the sensible position is not ruling out referendums of the future. europe is changing. >> mr. dennis skinner. >> can he tell us whether he came to his present opinion

before or after -- >> i did not speak with him. >> i completely disagree with my friend. there has never been a better time that they should be minding their business and not ours. it is the right time to have a debate about which powers wish to bring back before a referendum. >> the honorable lady makes a powerful point. while there may be opportunities because of the neat that they have, i think respecting the fact they are fighting a fire in the eurozone, which benefits us if they can deal with those banks and problems.

the right time to consider institutional change is as treaties come through. >> sir stewart bell. >> the prime minister has referred to the national interest and a brief discussion iran. implantorts of is that how the european union -- >> the argument i would make is that that was an agreement that was come to route human enemy -- unanimity. that is what we've done in terms of syria and iran and eventually in terms of libya. cooperating. that is what we've done about

burma and sanctions. >> mr. simon hughes. >> following the death of our servicemen in afghanistan. his party had a manifesto as did the liberal democrats. agreement is clear -- the agreement is clear. there is no provision for any other referendum. 27 european countries work together to deal with the imminent, urgent economic crisis from europe. >> that is an important point. we said no further passes of power from britain to brussels.

we said we should defend the single market. we have promoted the single market in energy and services. we have written safeguards for the conclusion and i think that is all for the good. all party leaders have to think of the future in a changing europe and how we take the british people with us and that is exactly what i'm doing. >> whenever we have such inquiries, the big difference is access information and other background information. such a committee will have the same powers that a judge would have. >> i do want it to have those powers.

if people do not produce those papers, they are in contempt of parliament. we're seeing that the whole concept of being in contempt of parliament is being strengthened. i think this committee will have the powers it needs and expertise it needs but it will be able to get to the job straight away. >> would the prime minister agree at the last time we saw levels of interference, and led to the dramatic split with the catholic church? does he agree that we would be better having a second referendum? >> i -- the point i would make is that there are developments -- i find answering this

question rather difficult. there are opportunities and we should show patience because of the firestorm. >> mr. barry gardner. ships decision has -- are in dry dock. what practical steps are being taken to monitor iranian vessels to ensure that there has been an embargo? >> i think the honorable gentleman raises an important point. i think the embargo will be robust. we will make sure the points he makes are being taken on board. >> the manifesto referred to a

fundamental change in the relationship with europe. the prime minister said that europe is changing rapidly and fundamentally. is it not time we had a referendum in this parliament rather than relying on the outcome of the next general election, which of course nobody can predict? >> i completely understand the view held by my friend. either we should get out straight away or the argument that the changes are so fundamental that the referendum should be held sooner rather than later. i think it would be better not to do that immediately. i think there is an opportunity for a fresh supplement and fresh consent.

>> it looks like we'll have a referendum, maybe in two or three years' time. we do not know what the question is going to be, but this prime minister has the gall to question the temerity of the referendum. >> i have to say there is a slight difference. his party wants to leave the united kingdom. there is a referendum to do just that. .'m trying to help them i hope that scala will vote to stay in the united kingdom -- i

hope that scotland will vote to stay in the united kingdom. >> the prime minister has said that now is not the time for an in-house referendum. would he confirm that the letter that was sent to him urged him to legislate for a referendum in the next parliament and to address the mass public distrust when they hear politicians -- they remember the broken promises. >> i hear what my friend has said. it is never been my intention -- he is not suggesting an immediate referendum. as i replied, i do not think that while it is possible to legislate in one parliament to bind the next.

enough think in makes sense with a future referendum. we do not know the exact changes that will be taking place and so i don't think that is the right answer. >> treaty change. the government is going to campaign -- concerned that the prime minister has gone nowhere with that and possibly has not mentioned that to the new french president. why should people trust him what he meant as not manage to secure the one thing he has committed to. >> i am still waiting for my apology. i think he will learn that he needs a treaty change so he should be wanting to bring it on.

>> the importance of trade and the single market. if we were to see a return to prosperity of the european union, the rules of the world trade organization need to be in force. >> one of the things that we have made progress on over the last two years is the eu trade deals including negotiations underway with singapore, india, and others, possibly including japan. we made exciting progress with an eu-u.s. trade deal. there are things we can do together and i agree with my point.about the pligat

>> does he have some sympathy for what john major had to endure during the 1992 parliament? >> i would worked very closely with john major and i admire him very much and think that people now reassess and see that the left this country and excellent economic record. the party opposite completely squandered with a decade of debt. >> what is it like for the people of scotland will be given a potentially irreversible referendum and will not be given a similar -- >> i have great respect for my honorable friend.

he feels very deeply. scotland, there were elected with a mandate to do just that. the case of the united kingdom and the eu. most people wanted fresh settlement with fresh consent rather than have the choice of leaving right now or voting to stay in right now and thereby confirming the status quo. >> how many of the hundreds of new jobs that will come from setting up will be located in the city that has been the home of the successful united kingdom patent office, in the city of newport? >> i do not know the answer to

that question. parts are pharmaceuticals and life sciences and i think it is a good deal for london and a good deal for the u.k. >> unemployment hit a record high. whatever happens to the euro, recognition is there in brussels -- the need to do serious deregulation and pushing for the single market? >> if you look at the different rates of youth unemployment, we are not one of the best nor one of the worse. germany and holland have very low rates of youth unemployment. they have different approaches to training and we have a lot to

learn from them. >> mr. nicholas brown. >> why existing anti-fraud legislation does not work. >> with a vast the fraud office to look at this issue and to see -- we have asked the fraud office to look at this issue. if the need resources, they will be provided with them -- if they need resources. >> i'm sure the prime minister will remember about the several multinational companies whose trade depends which using the uk as a hub for their european operation. cuddy in sure my constituents that work for these companies that nothing that happens in the european council is detrimental

to their interests -- >> my friend is absolutely right. britain benefits from being in the single market. because of investments on companies like honda and jaguar, we're now a net exporter of cars again. >> businesses are worried about jobs. given the size of our trade relationship, will the prime minister show leadership and getting growth? how did he see that as being in the uk's national interest? >> i think there was good progress on the growth program.

people suspected it would be part of the agenda. that is part of that. there is clear commitments to the service, to digital single market. is the british and italian agenda -- that is the british and italian agenda. >> large numbers are standing. >> the prime minister urges integration as one solution to the problem. big civil disorder. he should be advising everyone to go back to their currency and then rebuild the currency and

rebuild jobs. >> well said. >> we cann't make choices -- we can't make choices on behalf of other countries. they want a single currency and they want that currency to work. it remains to be seen if all of them will be able to do that. we can not instruct them not to do something. that is their choice. we have made our choice and that is to stay out of the eurozone. i hope he will be reassured on that basis. >> are you prepared to see sacrificed in greece to defend the single currency? >> i cannot tell the greek

people what to do. my view is to be outside the single currency, not to be involved in disintegration. you can go back to my address in 1997 when i said i was opposed to britain joining the single currency. i did not think it was right to give up that level of democracy. that is not for us to make that choice for them. >> i agree with the prime minister. any referendum should, at the end of the process, not at the beginning. >> i think my friend makes an important point. i think there has been a defeatism, including when they are in government.

when confronted with the issue of the european constitution, they promised a referendum and did not deliver. they always went along with absolutely everything. when it comes to this, they are the status quo party. >> significant misgivings about the -- on the financial services sector in this country. what reassurance can he give the house that the strategy will not lead to the disadvantage in this country? >> we are trying to protect our interests in terms of the single market. i believe a banking union flows from the fact that there is a

single currency, not a single market. we'll be able to protect that interest from outside the union. >> steve baker. nine i think my friend makes a good point -- i think my friend makes a good point. the constitution changed to the lisbon treaty. country after country failed and let that country down. >> some more detail about the evidence -- serious about increasing demand. >> the point i make is there are parts that include expanding

the role of the european investment bank and we support that. part of the problem is the need for an active monetary policy. we shouldn't give up on the real win s for our economy i because there are increases in demand and supply. >> does the prime minister -- a referendum in the foreseeable future? been a prime minister for two years but i feel like i've spent half my life in this building. there will be some it's coming along.

if your view is that britain should leave the european union, then that is the logical thing to do. the approach i am setting out is the right one. >> the prime minister claims success with the belailout. if the prime minister fails to renegotiate those powers back to the house, will the injury to an in-house referendum -- will he agree to an in-house referendum? >> we have replaced the stability mechanism with the european -- the esm. britain would not be included in it and we will not have to contribute to wit.

>> matthew hancock. >> i welcome the announcement of the review to replace the regulation that failed. will the prime minister in share as a deterrent criminal actions are available in future for those bankers? >> the chancellor will be going into more detail on this issue. we need to make sure the regulators have all the powers they need. crimes in the banks and elsewhere are punished in another way. that needs to be cleared up. >> wayne david. >> what is his position with regard to a referendum --

>> we will be sending out a clear path wait for the house of lords. the house of lords reform was in his manifesto and in the liberal democrats manifesto. i did not think a referendum is necessary -- i do not think a referendum is necessary. >> i have discovered he has invited a woman to downing street next week. she is excited about the renegotiation on the referendum. could the prime minister promised legislation for an eu reference in the next parliament? >> i am looking forward to that meeting but did not want to get

to excited abou before the big day. she should be reassured. >> marc hendrick. >> encouraging -- having a referendum -- >> i did not understand what lies behind the question. if you want a working single currency, it is coherent to argue that you have to take at least some of the steps that other single currencies have. that means you have to stand behind weaker parts of the union. you need a single banking system.

those inside the eurozone will have to take some of the steps i have set out. otherwise the eurozone will have difficulties. >> does the history -- more about the ever closer union -- a referendum should encompass the question about the union. >> this goes back to one of the problems back in the 1990's. i did not think people had a full explanation. i do not support an ever closer union. i do not want to see an ever greater transfer of powers. there is a way that britain and the european union can work closer together on things like foreign affairs and making sure

that is in our best interest. >> whether the issue of financial transactions support -- we would welcome this as a way of showing bankers are being accountable. >> it was mentioned because in the growth compact it says that a number of eurozone numbers are going to go ahead with a financial transactions tax. i did not support this. those transactions would go to jurisdictions that do not have that tax. we would be cutting our gdp. people paying for this would be the pensioners and i don't think that is sensible. >> to damage would have been if

we had not gone out -- what the damage would have been. >> you can start working out what percentage we would have been paying about the bailout. we have saved britain considerable amounts of money. >> economic demands continue to fall. deep unemployment in greece and spain has reached 52%. when will the prime minister acknowledge that the entities such a chronic crisis of demand in jobs -- >> outside the eurozone we're able to have very tough fiscal targets that anyone in my position would have to deliver to deal with the deficit and debt. we have a ultra low interest

rates. perhaps the difference between the situation in britain and in countries inside the eurozone. >> thank you, mr. speaker. i completely support the prime minister. part j which says the commission has to consider proposals for a common consolidated corporate tax base. we're cutting corporation tax. >> he can. >> it is clear -- are you in favor of the status quo? will that satisfy the zealot --

>> those people who want to leave the european union members on both sides of the house and probably liberal democrats in favor of that position. then campaigning for the referendum is a perfectly logical thing to do. >> in welcoming the prime minister's progress in russia views and syria, could we do more to persuade russia that is not in their best interest nuclear-arms to iriran. >> the foreign secretary has spent a lot of time with his russian counterpart in trying to resolve it situation in syria. these oil sanctions are tough

and it is concerted action by the european union and i think it could make a difference. >> "yes but, no but, yes but." >> we should stick to our own work and think of something different. i think there are two businesses that do not make sense for europe. to some out rollout anyway forming a new consent with the british people. i want to see this new settlement. seems to be logical the decision to have. >> why should the u.k. pay more

so an investment bank can make more loans with increasing rates? some of these loans will never be repaid. much of an increase will this have to pay? >> we account for around 14% and i think there is a need and problems in terms of monetary policy. the role is helpful and it is import they maintain their rating. >> questions consisting of a single, a short sentence. >> if he does believe that some of the actions bordered on criminal, will recall for a

resignation? >> i did not think it is for prime ministers to hire and fire bank chiefs. he has to make himself accountable to this house in answering questions on wednesday and i think he has some serious questions to answer. >> in any referendum while he is prime minister, the option of voting to lead the eu not appear on the ballot/ >> that is not what i said -- on the ballot? i believe we should show tactical patients on this. then i want to see a fresh settlement. the right time is after we have that fresh settlement. that is what we should do.

>> you have endorsed britain's membership in the eu. casey a situation where you would endorse a withdrawal from the eu? -- can you see a situation? >> that does that mean that we accept the status quo. we are not happy with the status quo. we have shown in a small way that you can do better and i want britain to do better. >> is the prime minister aware of any institution that once this country to leave the european union? >> i am not aware of many institutions that want that. the city institutions want to make sure our position is

safeguarded. we have a massive financial services sector. it is import that we make sure we safeguard the interests of that sector. >> would he agree that we must continue to battle substantial reform of the eu? >> i think my friend puts it extremely well. we should pursue the national interest. that lies at the heart of our case for being in the european union. >> a referendum is only a means to an end. it is important that we work out what it means for the u.k.'s national interest.

>> i think my friend is right. we have to ask the prior questions of what it is that britain wants in europe? how do we best change it? all those questions need to be asked before we get to the vital question. right. >> stand up to taxpayers -- will you stand up to taxpayers? >> we have to make sure that the budget is focused on things that are likely to help growth like the single market and i think she makes a good point. >> there has been in a lack of growth in europe.

would you agree that we should be focusing on policies that target growth like in energy? >> i think my honorable friend is right. the positive steps we have been taking is about building an alliance to push for the free- trade agenda. with people like the prime minister in italy, it is no longer any north-south divide. we of countries pushing for the growth agenda -- we have countries pushing for the growth agenda. >> does he agree that this issue will be solved by giving the british people -- >> we do need as europe changes,

it will need to seek a fresh mandate for it. >> mr. henry smith. >> the european council president said it could take up to a decade to implement trade. do you agreed that we have a referendum lock? >> i think my friend makes a good point. europe is changing rapidly. some of the institutional changes will take a long time to come through. this is so very difficult for democratic states to do. i think this will take a long time. >> i will come my friends opening the door to a substantial renegotiation.

resist regulations on biofuels which are pushing up prices at the pump. >> i will look very carefully at what my friend says. the level of sustainability with biofuels. i'll have a careful look at what he says. >> we not agree the real crime is there is no doubt at all that this is a criminal offense -- will he agree that the real crime is that this is a criminal offense? >> there has been a bit of silence from the party opposite in this house. we have said this was squarely labour's fault. >> the uk's running a large

with the rest of the european union, do you agree that our partners would have much to lose from erecting trade barriers? >> i think my friend makes a good point. britain is a huge market for other european union goods and also in large net contributor to the eu budget. our membership of the european union and tells us to just a strong of view and we should never be frightened to make our voice heard. >> do you agreed the member of the opposition is wrong to criticize? he is criticizing our constituents.

>> as ever, my friend speaks up robustly for his constituents. issues about extra regulations does come from the european union and you're right to make that point. >> last but not least. >> the prime minister is not ruling out a referendum on our membership in the european union, is in the time for the government to commission a full- scale independent comprehensive audit of the cost and benefits to better inform the referendum when it comes? the balancene ec's in his review, he will find a lot of what he is seeking will

be contained in that. to work out the costs and benefits to make sure we have a proper debate. i think we benefit by the access over these markets. i am not happy with the status quo. >> thank the prime minister, the leader of the opposition, and the 74 back benches who questioned him. become not to the statement of the chancellor of the exchequer. >> the house of commons is moving down to the business now. at 1:30, a discussion on the supreme court's decision upholding the 2010 health-care

law. the future of health care. that discussion gets underway at 1:30 eastern here on c-span. we're featuring some weekend programs in prime time. tonight, the legacy of watergate. tour the nixon library where gate exhibit. and examination of why the man became deep throat. american history tv is prime- time all this week on c-span3. >> they are dead. that is pretty clear. the effort undertaken ran into a

lot of controversy, a lot miscommunication. i think those bills are not coming back again this year or any year, for that matter. >> prospects for anti piracy legislation in the next congress, tonight at 8:00 p.m. eastern on "the communicators." >> this weekend, had to the state capital in missouri -- head to the state capital in missouri. family life inside the governor's mansion, from her book "if walls could talk." the story behind clay tablets.

>> at one time this was called the bloodiest 47 acres in america. >> the historic penitentiary. walk back through history in the governor's mansion. the history and literature life of cities across america. this weekend from jefferson city on c-span2 and 3. >> next a seminar held earlier this year at long island university in brooklyn, new york. this is just over an hour and a half. >> my i'm president of long island university.

i am privileged to welcome you to the beginning phase of the awards.rge puolk this award has gained in strength and stature over the last decade. this remarkable man who was pursuing a story and was murdered because of it. then there was a complicated second half as an investigation was wants is to who killed george polk, the into several distinguished journalist participating at the beginning of the cold war. we are proud to keep his memory alive and to celebrate him. this evening's activity, i think we started -- we were discussing whether it was 21 or 20 years

ago. and i have said 20 years last year so i will say 21 now. it is in that universe. we realize is that at a luncheon which will take place tomorrow where everybody is allowed in minute and have to speak and some zero bag and some do not -- some obey and some do not. a seminar for students and members in the working press and others interested in the topics, to invite a round of cluster of topics, and several of the award winners to talk about what they did and what happened as a result of what they did. this has grown and grown handsomely. this is the campus based part of the program.

we have students throughout the room and hopefully they will take heed and go into stuff of the sort that you have done. ralph just received the award for the lifetime achievement. his most recent book is on fred friendly. we have a major program in journalism. i welcome you. i'm thrilled that you are here. it is my privilege to introduce you to the curator of the polk award, a man holding two polks and a pulitzer. you have been editor of

virtually every section known to humanity over the years, could some that did not succeed, but that is another discussion. ladies and gentlemen, our good friend john darnton. >> thank you. thank you very much and welcome . the title is "getting the an incredible story." i like to thank the center for their support. few people in the studio audience -- harvery been a don or -- harvey has been a donor to the program. some judges are here. we have a